He Was Indie Before It Was Cool: A Chat with a True Gaming Veteran
In an industry that moves at lightning speed, where studios rise and fall in the blink of an eye, a 31-year career is more than just impressive-it’s legendary. Meet Jeff Vogel, the founder of Spiderweb Software. Since 1994, long before ‘indie’ became a buzzword, Jeff and his wife have been quietly crafting some of the most intricate, story-rich, and beloved retro RPGs on the market. They are the definition of indie pioneers.
To celebrate the release of their latest game, ‘Avernum 4: Greed and Glory,’ Jeff recently held an ‘Ask Me Anything’ (AMA) session on Reddit, opening the floor to fans and aspiring developers. He offered a fascinating look into the realities of three decades of independent game development, his unapologetic design philosophy, and what it takes to thrive in a niche you’ve carved out for yourself. We dove into the conversation to bring you the biggest takeaways.
A Legacy Built on Story, Not Graphics
Spiderweb Software has a very specific identity. They create low-budget, retro, turn-based, and incredibly deep role-playing games. With a staggering 18 brand-new titles and 13 remasters under their belt, their focus has never been on chasing the latest graphical trends. Instead, Jeff Vogel sees himself as a novelist who just happens to use pixels instead of paper. “I really look at these games as writing novels,” he explained in a past interview. “They are just the medium. I care about the message.”
This philosophy is on full display in their new release, ‘Avernum 4: Greed and Glory.’ It’s a remaster of their 2005 cult classic, taking players back to the studio’s most beloved universe-a vast underground realm full of adventure. Vogel is unapologetic about not constantly reinventing his game systems. For him, they are simply the vehicle to deliver a compelling story with gray morality and meaningful choices, a stark contrast to the black-and-white worlds of many modern RPGs.
The Business of Staying Small and Independent
In a world of massive studios and billion-dollar acquisitions, Spiderweb Software remains a two-person core team: Jeff and his wife. The AMA provided a refreshingly honest look at the practical realities of running a small, self-sustaining studio for over 30 years. When asked about things like dedicated Linux or Android ports and translations into other languages, Vogel’s answer was direct and pragmatic. These things require hiring more people, and for that, their games need to achieve greater sales.
This no-nonsense approach extends to his relationship with his customers. Spiderweb has always been pro-consumer, a fact that has earned them a fiercely loyal fanbase. They offer massive, free demos for all their games, a money-back guarantee, and absolutely no DRM. Vogel’s stance is simple: “If you don’t like our game, we don’t want your money.” It’s a level of trust and transparency that is rare in today’s industry.
| Spiderweb Software’s Philosophy | Key Principles |
|---|---|
| Story First | Gameplay systems are a medium for the message; the narrative is what matters most. |
| Know Your Niche | Focus on creating deep, retro, turn-based RPGs for a dedicated audience. |
| Pro-Consumer Practices | Massive free demos, no DRM, and a money-back guarantee to build trust. |
| Sustainable Development | Staying small and making pragmatic business decisions to ensure long-term survival. |
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Spiderweb?
So, what does the future hold for a studio that has already accomplished so much? During the AMA, Vogel confirmed that his immediate focus is on finishing the ‘Queen’s Wish’ series, another of the studio’s popular franchises. He also mentioned that several other older titles are due for a comprehensive remaster, so fans of his classic work have a lot to look forward to.
However, he was also clear about what *isn’t* on the horizon. A scenario editor or complex modding tools are off the table, as he admits it’s beyond his expertise. And for those wondering if a big publisher will ever scoop them up, Vogel has been candid in the past: “Too niche. Too low-budget. I’ve love to sell out, but nobody is buying.” It’s this self-awareness that has allowed Spiderweb Software to not just survive, but thrive, for over three decades.
Conclusion
Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software are a treasure of the gaming industry. In his recent AMA, he reminded us that success isn’t always about massive budgets and explosive growth. It’s about passion, sustainability, and a deep respect for your audience. For 31 years, they have been quietly delivering some of the most intelligent and rewarding RPGs on the market. Their graphics may be simple, but their stories are anything but. In a world of fleeting trends, Spiderweb Software is a testament to the enduring power of a good story, well told.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Spiderweb Software?
Spiderweb Software is a small, independent game development studio founded in 1994 by Jeff Vogel and his wife. They have been creating retro, story-heavy, turn-based RPGs for over 31 years.
What kind of games do they make?
They specialize in low-budget but massive single-player RPGs with a focus on deep storytelling, player choice, and complex worlds. Their games are known for having simple graphics but excellent gameplay, reminiscent of classic RPGs from the 80s and 90s.
What is their newest game?
Their latest release is ‘Avernum 4: Greed and Glory,’ a full remaster of their 2005 cult classic RPG. It’s available now on Steam, GOG.com, and their official website.
Why don’t their games have more language options or Android ports?
As a very small studio, Jeff Vogel explained in his AMA that they simply don’t have the resources. Expanding to more platforms and languages would require hiring more people, which their current sales levels don’t support.
What is Jeff Vogel’s philosophy on game development?
He sees himself as a writer first and a developer second. For him, the story, characters, and moral choices are the most important part of a game. The game systems and graphics are just the medium to deliver that story.
Will Spiderweb Software ever be acquired by a big company?
It’s unlikely. Jeff Vogel has stated that he believes the studio is too niche and low-budget to attract a buyout offer from a major publisher.